Why's everything delayed?

[Mauri]

It is pretty normal that some sets gets delayed during season, but is there some specific reason why so many of 20-21 sets are delayed constantly? If it is this global pandemic situation, then why is that the reason, or is it something else?

 

[quincy]

It's all tied to pandemic. Supply chains are inconsistent, workplaces are variably affected - think printers - and none of these things do so in a predictable manner, and often reinforce other issues.

 

[habscards]

I also think that autos were much harder to obtain this year. Especially from rookies. A much delayed start to the season meant that UD had less time to get autographs returned to them.

 

[BigBarracuda]

And if I may…any resources that involve the artistic mindset (ie print houses) they are super in tune with the pandemic, so probably even more prone to down time (due to pandemic). I know many people in these fields and I’ll tell you they are cautious!!!

 

[hawkeenut]

Our distributor said it was due to printing, but didn't speculate on whether or not it was due to lack of employees during Covid.
Dan

 

[tomcat_sportscards]

I figured it had to do with a variety of issues but they must really not want any redemptions in their products!

 

[quincy]

I figured it had to do with a variety of issues but they must really not want any redemptions in their products!

LOL, no. UD doesn't seem to fret over redemptions any longer.

 

[numbern9ne]

I would guess its from the printer/diecutter/finishing side of the house. I know in the world of vinyl records, things are backed up by months as well.

Have you noticed the past few UD releases theres been a lot of lobside cut cards... Im guessing their main supplier that does that work is backed up and they had to go to another supplier that isnt able to do as good of a job.

 

[frankiefives]

I would guess its from the printer/diecutter/finishing side of the house. I know in the world of vinyl records, things are backed up by months as well.

Have you noticed the past few UD releases theres been a lot of lobside cut cards... Im guessing their main supplier that does that work is backed up and they had to go to another supplier that isnt able to do as good of a job.

THIS ^^^^

 

[burebuyer]

I would guess its from the printer/diecutter/finishing side of the house. I know in the world of vinyl records, things are backed up by months as well.

Have you noticed the past few UD releases theres been a lot of lobside cut cards... Im guessing their main supplier that does that work is backed up and they had to go to another supplier that isnt able to do as good of a job.

Yeah, the cutting on cards this year has been probably the worst I've seen in years. From the oddly corner cut base in OPC and Upper Deck, to a lot of miscut hits, its clearly been a problem to find reliable and cost effective printing.

Derek

 

[Hama]

Yeah, the cutting on cards this year has been probably the worst I've seen in years. From the oddly corner cut base in OPC and Upper Deck, to a lot of miscut hits, its clearly been a problem to find reliable and cost effective printing.

Derek

Have to wonder how much of it is contracted out for UD, considering that they have their own facilities to print. But to what extent do they print internally vs other products, like Platinum, which have to be done outside?

 

[spiceyi12]

They do not have their own printing facilities.

 

[FrozenInferno]

As far as I know none of the card companies print their own cards. It’s all done by two or three outside companies. One in Dallas not far from where Panini is and another on the east coast somewhere. Philly area maybe?

 

[LeafGregg]

As far as I know none of the card companies print their own cards. It’s all done by two or three outside companies. One in Dallas not far from where Panini is and another on the east coast somewhere. Philly area maybe?

No company prints on site any longer. The massive growth the industry has seen, plus Covid limitations have put a strain on resources for these vendors. Many are expanding operations with new equipment and people, but that takes time to implement.

 

[DCUnited96]

Based on the post in the last page of this tread, I assumed that Topps had taken printing matters into their own hands.

http://hobbyinsider.net/forum/showthread.php?t=442956

At the time, my reply noted that Opening Day had been printed in Italy. Since that time, there have been numerous Chrome and Finest Soccer releases that have come from the Italian print shop that are definitely a different composition (sandwich like layers) than the previous chrome releases. Again, going off the above thread, I just figured they ramped up the print shop where they print Match Attax and whatnot.